Värttinä cover

Värttinä

Värttinä · 1987

41 min · 17 tracks · folk · contemporary folk music

A vibrant tapestry of Finnish folk traditions interwoven with modern sensibilities and infectious rhythms.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • infectious rhythms for dancing
  • short bursts of lively energy
  • playful melodies for gatherings
  • wave-like pacing with surprises

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking long, contemplative tracks
  • prefer standalone, serious pieces

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1987, Värttinä's self-titled debut album marked the group's emergence in the contemporary folk music scene. At this juncture, they were still refining their unique sound, blending traditional Karelian melodies with contemporary arrangements. This album laid the groundwork for their future success and experimentation in subsequent releases.
Stylistic neighbors
Hedningarna· Garmarna· Korpiklaani

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Ruskie neitsyt (Brown-Haired Maiden) 2:23
  • 2 Mainitus (Mainitus Dance) 1:38
  • 3 Lehmän tanssi (Cow's Dance) 4:01
  • 4 Miss' on miun armahin (Where Is My Beloved) 3:56
  • 5 Mie tahon tasaista miestä (I Want a Steady Man) 1:21
  • 6 Juhon kontra (Juho's Contradance) 1:36
  • 7 Tutskovin polska (Tutskov's Polska) 1:54
  • 8 Suojärven katrilli (Suojärvi Quadrille) 2:28
  • 9 Karjalainen kehtolaulu (Lullaby from Karelia) 4:13
  • 10 Varrii ompi zaijuvesj (The Tea-Water Is Hot) 2:13
  • 11 Koiviston polska (Koivisto Polska) 1:37
  • 12 Duetto (Duet) 1:38
  • 13 Melkutus (Melkutus Dance) 1:45
  • 14 Sade (Rain) 3:24
  • 15 Tsiiputus (Tsiiputus Dance) 1:27
  • 16 Sekatyylipolkka (Polka in Mixed Style) 2:18
  • 17 Ompa tietty tietyssäni (I Am Thinking of a Particular One) 3:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata